The Iris family contains over 200 species and all Iris flowers have 3 outer and 3 inner petals with 3 stamens. The outer petals protect the inner petals as sepals do on other flowers. An inner petal is called the ‘Standard’ and the outer is called the ‘Fall’ which bends backward and hangs down. The fall is normally patterned with distinctive markings and a bearded iris has central line of pollen bearing hairs. The Standard is often a different colour to the Fall, in the example a mauve with a deep purple fall. Buds are protected by insignificant papery bracts.
Reticulata Iris grow from a bulb or corm like the Dutch Iris.
Bearded Iris grow from a rhizome with roots on the underside.
Iris Japonica is a stoleniferous variety sending out roots to make new plants.
Juno Iris have a bulb like structure with a tuberous root.
Siberian or Pacific Coast Iris root from the flower stem in a cross between the other methods of rooting.
Minature Dwarf Bearded Iris are up to 8 inches tall whilst Dwarf Standards are 8-18 inches and form good clumps.
Intermediate Bearded Iris are 17-27Â inches tall as are Border Bearded which will stand up to windy conditions.
Miniature Tall Bearded Iris are also 16-27 inches tall but are more graceful with smaller flowers that stand well as cut flowers.
Tall bearded Iris and Spuria are 27 inches plus with the ‘Flag’ Iris Germanica often reaching above 40 inches tall.
Iris Pallida with grey-green leaves and Varigata have been used to create most of the vast number of hybrids we see today.
Iris Albicans is a scented white with yellow beard and unbranched stems while Iris Amoena and Aphylla make interesting garden plants.
Iris Suavolens, Attica and Reichenbachii are historically interesting species.
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